The NSW Police Force has launched its summer safety campaign to encourage people to make good choices and ensure the season is memorable for all the right reasons.
Announcing the launch, Minister for Police and Emergency Services, David Elliott said Summer Safe was a Statewide, high-visibility strategy which would focus policing resources on crime prevention, alcohol-related crime, anti-social behaviour and road safety.
Mr Elliott said the further easing of restrictions on Monday (8 November) was not a free pass to break the law.
“I know people are excited to get out and about to catch up with friends and family as further restrictions are eased in the upcoming weeks and months, but that shouldn’t escalate into anti-social behaviour or other alcohol-related crime,” he said.
“Police are taking the responsible approach and are reminding the community that safety is the primary priority this summer.”
Mr Elliott said community engagement and education were also important elements of Summer Safe, as well as working closely with partner Agencies to reduce risks of harm, injury and death.
Acting Deputy Commissioner Metropolitan Field Operations for the NSW Police Force, Peter Thurtell said while it was exciting to be able to enjoy summer under eased restrictions, the community needed to keep safety “top of mind”.
“The last two years have been rough on everyone and we want this to be a season of celebration and not commiseration,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Thurtell said.
“In the first week of relaxed restrictions, police responded to about as many alcohol-related incidents as we did the week over New Year’s, which is concerning as we approach this year’s festive season,” he said.
“We know that excessive alcohol consumption can lead to poor decision making – often leading to people finding themselves as victims of crime or perpetrators of crime.”
Acting Deputy Commissioner Thurtell said the police goal this summer was to provide the safest environment possible for people to enjoy themselves and to ensure officers acted swiftly against those who behaved unlawfully.
He said General Duties officers from Police Area Commands and Police Districts would be supported by specialist police to prevent, disrupt and respond to crime.
“In addition, there will be an increased presence of Traffic and Highway Patrol Command on the roads and Marine Area Command on all waterways,” Acting Deputy Commissioner Thurtell said.
